FIFA

Question 1

Describe the forensic identification field assessment

Answer 1

An assessment period of 3 to 6 months, consisting of practical and written exercises with opportunity for on the job experience, conducting investigations under the supervision of a forensic identification specialist. Includes attendance at crime scenes, processing exhibit, and completing research and photography assignments. Also has testing in the form of a moot trial.

Question 2

The forensic identification apprentice training program consist of how many phases?

Answer 2

Three phases

Question 3

What is meant by a forensic identification certification board?

Answer 3

A panel consisting of three forensic identification specialist, who will administer an examination consisting of oral question-and-answer in the mood trial to evaluate if the FIS employee is qualified to give expert opinion testimony.

Question 4

Who becomes a forensic identification specialist?

Answer 4

One who successfully complete space three of the FIATP and the certification board evaluation.

Question 5

Which forensic identification duty will take precedence over other forensic identification duties?

Answer 5

The attendance at and examination of crime scenes to locate evidence.

Question 6

What is the policy regarding forensic examination of major crime scenes?

Answer 6

1-minimum of two FIS employees will attend
2-forensics light sources will be used to search the crime scene or exhibits for evidence
3-measurements will be taken at the crime scene for creation of a plan drawing
4-representative samples of 3-D impressions will be photographed and cast
5-for bloodletting scene, conduct a visual examination and consider consultation with a blood stain analyst
6-determine need for civilian SME, attendance and monitor their actions
7-be involved with the investigators debrief
8-complete forms 6028 and 3407

Question 7

What is the primary function of a forensic identification member in relation to friction ridge impressions as stated in the IFIM?

Answer 7

Complete an objective examination of the crime scene or exhibit to locate, mark, photograph, and record friction ridge impressions

Question 8

What is the RCMP Forensic identification services policy on preparation of evidence charts to support expert testimony?

Answer 8

Once the matter is set for trial, a chart of the friction ridge impression or physical evidence of the case, will be prepared and included in the disclosure; along with a Will Say report, a curriculum, vite and analysis report an indexed photograph booklet, FIS reports and related continuation reports, all notes and relevant file logs or analysis material.

Question 9

What are the permitted conclusions for physical impression evaluations (footwear and tire comparisons)?

Answer 9

Identification
Higher degree of association
Association of class characteristics
Exclusion
Inconclusive

Question 10

Define each of the conclusions for physical evidence comparisons

Answer 10

Identification indicates that the known object is the source of, and made the questioned impression.
Higher degree of association indicates the characteristics observed exhibit strong associations between the questioned impression, and known object. However, the quality and quantity were insufficient for identification. Another object with the same class characteristics observed, is included in the population a possible sources only if it displays the same wear and randomly acquired characteristics observed in the questioned impression.
Association of class characteristics indicates the known object is a possible source of the questioned impression, and therefore could have produced the impression, another object with the same class characteristics observed, is included in the population of possible sources.
Exclusion indicates the particular object was not the source of, and did not make the impression.
Inconclusive indicates the evidence examined lacks sufficient detail for meaningful conclusion to be reached.

Question 11

What criteria must be met in order for a person to be lawfully fingerprinted

Answer 11

• In lawful custody, and charged with or convicted of an indictable offense, or an offence under the security of information act
• Apprehended under the extradition act
• Alleged to have committed an indictable offense, not designated under the contraventions act
• In lawful custody pursuant to section 83.3 of the criminal code.

Question 12

Where would you find your authority to fingerprint a young person?

Answer 12

Section 113 of the youth criminal justice act

Question 13

Besides fingerprinting, what other processes are sanctioned by the identification of criminals act?

Answer 13

Palm prints
Photographs
Measurements (Height and weight)

Question 14

Does the identification of criminals act provide you with the authority to obtain fingerprints for comparison purposes?

Answer 14

No

Question 15

Where will you find the legal authority to obtain foot impressions from an individual during an investigation?

Answer 15

Section 487.092 of the criminal code by way of warrant.

Question 16

What are the four common law requirements stipulated in R. vs Mohan in order for expert opinion evidence to be heard and accepted in court?

Answer 16

Relevance
Necessity in assisting the trier of fact
The absence of any exclusionary rule
A properly qualified expert

Question 17

What are the legal disclosure requirements stipulated under section 657.3 of the criminal code of Canada? In regard to expert opinion evidence testimony?

Answer 17

Notice must be given at least 30 days prior to commencement of the trial
Name of the expert
Description of the area of expertise
Statement of the experts qualifications
Copy of the report prepared by the witness.
Summary of the anticipated opinion

Question 18

Can a forensic identification member use any technique and equipment during the course of his or her duties?

Answer 18

No, only techniques and equipment approved by IFIS

Question 19

What must occur when a forensics identification member has been exposed to a biological or chemical hazard through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection?

Answer 19

Notify your supervisor immediately
Seek medical assistance immediately
lab 1070 must be completed by supervisor

Question 20

Can all forensic identification members use specialized personal protective equipment at CBRNE and clandestine laboratories?

Answer 20

No, only those with appropriate training can use the specialized PPE

Question 21

When must a forensic identification member evaluate the types and levels of hazards present at a crime scene?

Answer 21

Upon arrival, before the walk-through or any processing, and continually throughout the examination of the scene.

Question 22

In the laboratory where must all examinations using hazardous chemicals be performed?

Answer 22

I never vented, fume hood or wet station area

Question 23

What is your responsibility when working in a potentially hazardous area?

Answer 23

Be aware of hazards, including potential hazards. Protect yourself accordingly, and use appropriate PPE.

Question 24

What is a WHM I S label and why should hazardous material be labeled?

Answer 24

It tells the user about the hazards of the product, the appropriate safety precautions and handling instructions.
It includes standard hazard symbols risk phrases precautionary measures first aid measures and indication that an SDS is available.

Question 25

What is the absolute minimum information workplace label must have according to WHMIS legislation?

Answer 25

Product identifier
Safe handling instructions
Reference to SDS

Question 26

According to WHMIS legislation, what are the labelling requirements of hazardous material is kept in a container other than its original?

Answer 26

A workplace label is required
Exceptions are if the material is used immediately, or will be used exclusively by the employee who mixed the solution

Question 27

Under WHMIS, who is responsible for labelling chemicals and chemical solutions?

Answer 27

The supplier is responsible for labelling hazardous products
The employer or employee is responsible for making sure that all hazardous products that come into the workplace are labelled and to prepare a workplace label when appropriate.

Question 28

The employer has numerous responsibilities under a WHMIS. Under the Canada labour code what responsibilities are placed on the employee?

Answer 28

-Use all of provided PPE when appropriate
-Follow prescribe procedures with respect to health and safety
-Take all responsible necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety
-Comply with all instructions from the employer, concerning health and safety
-Cooperate with any person, carrying out a duty imposed under part two of the labour code
-Cooperate with the policy and work place committees, or health and safety rep.
-Report any hazards to the employer
-Report every accident or injury in the prescribed manner
-comply with every oral or written direction of the minister or board concerning the health and safety of employees
-Report anything believed to be a contravention of part two of the labour code.

Question 29

What is the mechanism within the RCMP for reporting hazardous incident and who was responsible for making the report?

Answer 29

Form lab 1070, and it is the responsibility of the supervisor to make the report

Question 30

What is a safety data sheet?

Answer 30

And information sheet provided by the manufacturer or distributor of a chemical product, which lists all available information and data, including health and safety instructions

Question 31

What personal protective measures are indicated on the SDS for ninhydrin?

Answer 31

Wear full body suit and boots, aerosol or dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses.
Do not eat drink or smoke during use.

Question 32

Why does the SDS for cyanoacrylate caution against the use of cotton gloves?

Answer 32

Cyanoacrylate and the cotton gloves cause an exothermic chemical reaction that can cause severe burns. If there’s enough cyanoacrylate the cotton can catch fire.

Question 33

What is a fingerprint impression?

Answer 33

An impression on a surface of the friction skin features from the last joint of the finger(distal phalange).

Question 34

Who was the first European to allude to the uniqueness of the friction ridge skin?

Answer 34

Johann CA Mayer

Question 35

What did JCA Mayer say?

Answer 35

He wrote “Anatomical Copper-Plates with Appropriate Explanations”, specifically: “although the arrangements of skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons nevertheless, the similarities are closer among some individuals. In others, the differences are marked, yet in spite of the peculiarities of arrangement all have a certain likeness“

Question 36

Who was the first person to start a fingerprint persistency study?

Answer 36

Sir William James Herschel

Question 37

Often recognized by the forensic community as the father of fingerprinting. This person was the first to publish in a scientific journal about the value of fingerprints is crime scene evidence.

Answer 37

Dr. Henry Faulds

Question 38

Who is Alphonse Bertillon and what was his contribution to the identification of criminals?

Answer 38

In 1882 He worked for the prefecture of police in Paris, and devised an anthropometric measurement method where 11 body measurements were taken from prisoners, along with two photographs. This method was named Bertillonage or anthropometry, and was used to identify one criminal from another.

Question 39

Who was the first to identify and name specific friction ridge minutia and how are they defined?

Answer 39

Sir Francis Galton, the minutia were defined as: bifurcations, ridge endings, short ridges, and enclosures

Question 40

When was the use of the fingerprint system established in Canada and under what legislative sanction?

Answer 40

On July 21, 1908 an order in council was passed, sanctioning the use of the fingerprint system, and that the provisions of the identification of criminals act were applicable to it.

Question 41

When was the Canadian national fingerprint bureau established, and how many sets of fingerprints were part of the original files?

Answer 41

In February 1911 Inspector Edward Foster established the national fingerprint bureau, it was opened in Ottawa and the original files were composed of 2042 sets of fingerprints taken between 1906 and 1910.

Question 42

What are the anatomical layers of human skin?

Answer 42

Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis

Question 43

What are the functions of the anatomical layers?

Answer 43

Epidermis prevents water loss through evaporation it acts as a receptor Oregon and provides a protective barrier for the underlying tissues

The dermis is a layer of connective tissue that supports the epidermidis. It provides structural support and nourishment for the epidermis.

The hypodermis is a loose connective tissue that contains a part of adipose cells (Fat) that gives the body contour and serve as an energy reserve.

Question 44

Where do you find volar skin?

Answer 44

Palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Question 45

What are the differences between volar skin and smooth skin?

Answer 45

Volar skin has friction ridges, pores, and eccrine sweat glands.
Smooth skin has hair, pores, eccrine sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

Question 46

What is the concentration of eccrine sweat glands on friction skin?

Answer 46

2500 to 3000 per square inch
Eccrine sweat is composed of 99% water and 1% solids, the solids are one half organic salt, and the other half is composed of organic compounds; urea, amino acids, and peptides

Question 47

Alfred Hale was a critical researcher who provided information in regards to the embry logical growth and formation of friction skin. What are the critical times of friction ridge skin development stated in weeks according to his research?

Answer 47

3 - Epidermis is approx. one cell thick
6 - hand is paddle-like
- Volar pads begin to appear one
8 - fingers have separated, and become elongated
- Thumb has rotated
- Palmar flexion creases begin to appear
10.5-12 - volar pads regress
- Primary ridges begin to form
15-17 - time of differentiation: primary regencies, secondary ridges begin to form
20 - final ridge configuration is established
20-24 - secondary ridges continue to grow to the same depth as primary ridges
23 - dermal papillae have filled the spaces between primary and secondary ridges
24 - the entire system has matured

Question 48

What are volar pads?

Answer 48

Volar pads are transient swelling tissue called mesenchyme, under the epidermidis, on the palmar surface of the hands and soles of feet of the human fetus.

Question 49

What is meant by volar pad regression?

Answer 49

The growth of the volar pad slows, and the pad is overtaken by the much more rapidly growing surface skin around it.

Question 50

What affects the pattern type?

Answer 50

Size shape, and symmetry of the volar pad at the onset of primary ridge development.

Question 51

Why are friction ridges unique?

Answer 51

The principle of uniqueness is based in embryology, friction ridges develop in their definitive form on the foetus before birth. The uniqueness of the friction ridge patterns is established as a result of developmental noise, which is a biological term used to describe all of the factors acting on the developing skin ridges. There are three specific categories of contributing factors: random timing, random pressures, and random growth.
Random timing refers to the timing of the start and stop of each phase of development, particularly the onset of volar pad, regression, the beginning of primary ridge development, the onset of the time of differentiation which triggers the stop of primary Ridge development, and the beginning of secondary Ridge development .
Random pressures, referred to the pressures caused by the growth of neighbouring ridges, the volar pad, topography, pressures within the womb, and numerous genetic and physical pressures during growth.
Every friction ridge is made up of individual Ridge units consisting of a single functional sweat pore. Random growth refers to the fact that the number of ridge units that make up of friction ridge, where the ridge starts, stops, and/or bifurcates, the location of the poor, the shape of the ridge, including height and width of the ridges are all random.

Question 52

What ensures the persistency of friction skin?

Answer 52

The configuration of a fingerprint remains unchanged throughout the lifetime of the individual. This is achieved by three specific physical attachments, which contribute to persistency:
First is the adherence between the cells of the epidermis at their junctions. Skin cells are consistently lost at the surface by abrasion/exfoliation, which triggers the basal layer cells to divide, generating new cells, which are cemented together by a protein called desmosomes. These intercellular attachments ensure that the cells migrate to the surface in concert, faithfully reproducing the surface features, and the cells remain attached until they are exfoliate it at the surface.
second is the adherence of the basal layer to the basement membrane, a membrane located between the top layer of the skin, epidermis, and the deep section of skin, dermis, here is the world. This attachment is achieved via interlocking fibers, and another protein called hemi desmosomes.
Third, is the adherence of the basement membrane to the dermis by interlocking fibres.
Ultimately friction skin is persistent, due to a combination of these physical attachments, and constant regulation of basal cell division/proliferation in the epidermidis.

Question 53

What are the five layers of the epidermis?

Answer 53

Stratum corneum - or horny layer
Stratum lucidum - or hyalin layer
Stratum granulosum - or granular layer
Stratum spinosum - or spinous layer
Stratum basale - or basal layer

Question 54

Why is the epidermis divided into five layers?

Answer 54

The layers of the epidermis are named, according to their microscopic appearance. The keratinocytes change in appearance and composition as they are pushed towards the surface as they undergo differentiation, becoming more keratinized.

Question 55

Identify each of the basic components of friction skin.

Answer 55

Sweat glands
Papillary peg
Friction ridge
Furrow
Pore
Secondary Ridge
Primary Ridge

Question 56

What are the effects of aging on skin?

Answer 56

The ridges begin to flatten and appear less sharp
The skin loses elasticity and become susceptible to wrinkling

Question 57

What type of injury would cause a scar?

Answer 57

An injury that penetrates the skin to the basal layer can damage the epidermal basal infrastructure. The surrounding basal cells will repair the damage, but the resulting deformation will appear on the surface in the form of a scar.

Question 58

What are the three main fingerprint pattern groups?

Answer 58

Arches
Loops
Whorls

Question 59

Defined the arch pattern

Answer 59

Ridges enter one side of the impression and flow out the opposite side with a rise or wave in the centre

Question 60

Define the tented arch

Answer 60

Ridges enter from one side of the impression and flow out the opposite side with an upthrust in the centre

Question 61

Defined the loop pattern

Answer 61

Ridges flow from one side of the impression towards the centre and recurve then exit the same side that they entered. Loops have one delta. There are two types of loops; radial and ulnar named for the side, from which they entered the impression.

Question 62

Define the whorl pattern

Answer 62

There are four types of whorls; plain, double loop, central pocket loop, and accidental.
Plain whorls have at least one ridge that makes or tends to make a complete circuit. They have two deltas if a line were drawn between the two deltas, at least one re-curving ridge would be intersected by the line.
Double loops consist of 2 Separate Loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas.
Central pocket loops have two deltas, and at least one friction ridge, which makes or tends to make one complete circuit may be a spiral overall circular, or any variation of a circle. If a line were drawn between the two deltas, the line would not touch or cross any recurving ridges.
An accidental consist of two different types of patterns, with the exception of the plain arch, and has two or more deltas. Can also be a pattern that conforms to none of the definitions.

Question 63

What is the most common fingerprint pattern?

Answer 63

Ulnar loops

Question 64

What are the two types of impressions recorded on form C216

Answer 64

Rolled impressions
Plain impressions

Question 65

What are the three types of fingerprints found a crime scenes?

Answer 65

Latent
Visible
Molded/3-D

Question 66

How are latent fingerprints or physical evidence developed at crime scenes to be marked prior to photographing and lifting?

Answer 66

Demarcation line or circle around the impression
R number
Date
File number
Examiners initials
On vertical surfaces an arrow pointing up to assist with the determination of directionality

Question 67

There’s two recommended methods for developing/enhancing latent fingerprints on plastic bags

Answer 67

Vacuum metal deposition
Cyanoacrylate fuming, and application of chemical dyes if required

Question 68

1,2 indanedione-zinc can be used on what type of surfaces?

Answer 68

Porous surfaces

Question 69

Which technique is recommended for developing fingerprints on wet or damp non-porous surfaces?

Answer 69

Molybdenum disulphide
Small particle reagent

Question 70

What is the purpose of the lens in photography?

Answer 70

The lens focusses light on the sensor of the camera

Question 71

What affects the exposure of an image?

Answer 71

Aperture
Shutter speed
ISO

Question 72

How does a digital camera capture an image?

Answer 72

Light is focussed through the lens on to the sensor and is converted, via photo electric conversion, into electronic data, and saved on the memory card as an image.

Question 73

What does ISO mean in digital photography?

Answer 73

ISO is an abbreviation which stands for international standards organization. It refers to the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light.

Question 74

What is depth of field in photography?

Answer 74

Depth of field refers to the zone of acceptable, sharp focus in front of and behind the subject.
Bonus - what is the ratio? 1/3 ahead and 2/3 behind

Question 75

How can you increase your depth of field?

Answer 75

Smaller apertures
Longer focussing distances
Use a lens with shorter focal length
Re-focusing on the hyper focal point

Question 76

What is meant by white balance in digital photography?

Answer 76

The compensation made by the camera for the colour temperature of light, which is measured in kelvin.

Question 77

What is the building block of a digital image?

Answer 77

Pixel

Question 78

What does the word pixel mean?

Answer 78

It is an abbreviation for picture element

Question 79

What is meant by resolution in digital imaging?

Answer 79

The total number of pixels that compose an image. The greater the number results in increased resolution.

Question 80

What are you doing when calibrating an image?

Answer 80

Resizing the image to relate to a known value. To make the image life-size.

Question 81

When calibrating an image using the crop method in Photoshop, should you use re-sampling?

Answer 81

No

Question 82

Are two fingerprint/friction ridge impressions of the same finger ever exactly alike?

Answer 82

No, each independent deposition does not produce the perfect replication of a previously deposited one. There are always variations in appearance or distortions of the source friction skin.

Question 83

What two fundamental principles of the skin must be understood by an examiner prior to reaching a conclusion from the examination process?

Answer 83

Uniqueness
Persistency

Question 84

Describe the levels of detail, found in a friction ridge impression

Answer 84

First level detail is the overall flow of the ridges or fingerprint pattern. First level detail cannot be used to form an identification opinion, however, can be used to form an opinion of exclusion.
Second level detail is the specific ridge paths, including ridge endings, and bifurcations. Second level detail can be used to form an opinion of identification or exclusion.
Third level detail are the finer details such as ridge widths, pore locations, ridge shapes, scars, and incipient ridges. Third level detail cannot be present without second level detail. The presence, or lack, of third level detail does not dictate whether an opinion of identification or exclusion can be made, however, can be used to strengthen an opinion.

Question 85

Name and describe the recommended friction ridge examination method

Answer 85

ACE – V
Analysis is an information gathering stage, where the examiner analyzes all visible details and features of an impression, including anatomical factors, substrate, matrix, development medium, deposition pressure, distortion, visible levels of detail, and ultimately makes an assessment of clarity and the quality/quantity of detail to make an assessment of suitability for further comparison.
comparison is the side-by-side sequential comparison of all of the features observed during the analysis to determine whether the details in two impressions are in agreement. The comparison continues until all available detail in the unknown have been compared to the known.
Evaluation is the formulation of a conclusion based on the analysis and comparison. The examiner makes a final determination based on whether there is agreement, and if there is sufficient uniqueness to identify.
Verification is where another independent qualified examiner completes their own ACE process for the same unknown and known. The purpose of the verification is to ensure the accuracy of the original examiners final opinion.

Question 86

What three conclusions can be rendered during the evaluation stage of the process according to RCMP policy?

Answer 86

Identification
Exclusion
Inconclusive

Question 87

Define the conclusions for friction ridge comparisons

Answer 87

Identification - the unknown and the known impression originated from the same source.
Exclusion - the unknown and the known impressions originated from different sources.
Inconclusive - there is insufficient detail or information in the known or unknown to enable the examiner to form any meaningful conclusion.